Eligible voters in Edgecombe and Martin counties have 13 hours to head to the polls Tuesday to cast their vote in a second primary election for the N.C. House District 23 seat.

Two Democrats from Edgecombe County – Shelly Willingham of Rocky Mount and Rusty Holderness of Tarboro – are vying for the position.

This is an important election because it will determine who will become the next representative for N.C. House District 23, which includes Edgecombe and Martin counties. The incumbent, long-time N.C. Rep. Joe Tolson, D-Edgecombe, is retiring, and no Republicans filed to run for the position.

This is an opportunity for residents of the two counties to make their voices heard and to have a say over the next person who will represent them in the N.C. House of Representatives. Second primary elections typically have a lower voter turnout, and many people are busy during the summer with vacations and other plans. If you are eligible to vote in this election, don’t let Election Day slip by without going to the polls.

The right to vote is both a privilege and a responsibility. Those who don’t vote have no right to complain if they are unhappy with the outcome.

North Carolina, particularly Eastern North Carolina, is facing plenty of challenges as we work to climb out of the recession and to build a brighter future.

Now more than ever, we need strong leaders representing us and advocating for our interests. Make sure you have a say in who those people are by being involved in the democratic process.